A little update

It is about time I sat down and let everyone know what has been going on and how things are. I'll start with Braedon... He is attending a private special needs preschool and a public preschool four days a week. He seems to really love both of them and likes the structure each provides. On Monday and Friday he goes over to KidsWorld preschool and works with about 6-8 other children. Some of the kids know his name and say "Hi" when he gets there in the morning. He doesn't seem to like this very much and tries to avoid them. I force him to waive to them and he tends to give me a dirty look. One day he'll get over it...I think. Tuesday and Thursday he goes to Parkview Elementary and there are only about 6 kids in his class. He gets speech and occupational therapy at this place. His teacher is super nice and blonde. I add the last part because Braedon really likes blondes. ;-)

He can say all the letters in the alphabet. N gives him some trouble because he thinks it is a Z but we are working on that. He also can count to 10. When he gets to eleven he says, "One ten. Two ten. Wee ten." He is speaking but not full words yet. He does say, "All done" and "All gone". Those are his double word combinations and he uses them correctly. We are really working on getting him to communicate with us. He needs to learn to communicate and use his words or sign language instead of yelling or just doing it himself.

We do have an autistic diagnosis as well as a PDD one. They are basically the same.

He is a fun little guy. Anyone with any sensory experience needs to let me know. Braedon is a giant sensory seeker and we are looking for new sensory exercises.

Reilly is a giant ball of enthusiasm. I can't believe the difference in the two boys. He hasn't made a sound yet, but I'm not freaking out about it (he is 12 months). I think he just chooses not to say anything. He is constantly exploring. He'll crawl ANYWHERE and takes about three steps when he really wants something.

I am more than happy to report he can play catch. He and I sit on the floor and I toss a ball to him. He doesn't catch it but I toss it right in front of him. He'll pick it up and throw it back to me. WOOHOO!!! I'd like to think he is a little quarterback in the making.

He does wish his older brother would play with him. I feel so bad when I see him trying to play with Braedon and the sad look on his face when nothing happens. Occasionally Braedon will do something and Reilly thinks he is playing with him. His little world lights up and he laughs and gets so excited. Braedon doesn't notice and walks off. Reilly sits there for a minute with a sad look on his face. My hope is that eventually Braedon will play with him. Reilly smiles and brightens up like nothing else when Braedon pays the slightest attention to him.

That about sums up what is going on. Halloween is coming up and I just hope Braedon will put his costume on for a few minutes. He hates wearing two layers of clothing (sensory issue). Even a coat is a major fight. I guess if it comes down to it, he can just go as a cute three year-old. ;-)

Tagged

What was I doing 10 years ago
1. Nothing exciting
2. In the middle of an arthritis attack so I lived with my parents
3. No job because of the arthritis

5 things on my to do list
1. Carve a pumpkin
2. Sleep
3. Finish reading my book
4. Put the boys to bed
5. Sleep

Favorite snacks
1. Chips and salsa
2. Ice cream
3. Supershot Yogurt
4. Cheese
5. Diet coke

5 jobs I've had (these are ALL the jobs I've had)
1. Supervisor at Clarke American
2. Customer Service at Othello Sporting Goods
3. Middle School Girls Basketball Coach -- 7th grade
4. Eggroom girl at Wrangell Fisheries
5. Cook/Ordertaker J&Ws

5 things I'd do with a million dollars
1. Move to Washington
2. Put Braedon in Pingree School or something similar when I move to Washington
3. Put money aside for the boys mission and school
4. Build up my food storage
5. Give some to my parents for their retirement

5 things that made me laugh this week
1. My boys
2. Dean
3. CNN
4. SNL
5. Michael Moore on Larry King (talk about funny gasbag)

Should you have the time...

Check out mysuperhopelessromance.blogspot.com.

It makes for fun reading.

Reilly turns 1

We had a terrific birthday party for Reilly. His grandparents, unlce, and "aunts" came over for dinner and cake. He loved the attention and the gifts. New toys are so much fun for a one year-old. I was smart and got a few toys for Braedon to open as well.



Last night we put together a Halloween gingerbread house. Braedon pointed and I put frosting for him. It is the house that Braedon built. He had so much fun doing this.

First haircut

Here are just a couple pictures from Reilly's first haircut. He cried.

Vote

Please make sure you are registered to vote. In Utah the deadline is October 6th. You can go to www.maps.google.com/vote. Please hurry. It is important to vote and have a voice. You can't complain if you don't vote.